Author Topic: Keyholing (Read 1491 times)

Heavy C · « **on:** June 01, 2009, 11:39:28 AM »

I'm wondering what would cause a 1911 with a 3" barrel to start keyholing. Ammo was a combination of Winchester and Wolf 235 grain FMJ. Keep in mind that this pistol, nor its shooter, has ever experienced this before.

Would a weak grip cause this?

Heavy C

Mikey · « **Reply #1 on:** June 02, 2009, 02:13:07 AM »

Keyholing with a 1911 and ball ammo?

I would first check the crown on the barrel for obvious dings that would throw off accuracy but keyholing usually results from bullets moving too slow to stabalize with the rifling.

Not too many folk rave about the Wolf ammo and I have seen new Kimbers refuse to digest that stuff but the Winchester should have worked for you. Check the muzzle of that barrel first and then get yourself some decent ammo. HTH.

Savage · « **Reply #2 on:** June 02, 2009, 05:50:02 AM »

Also make sure your target paper in tight against the backing. If it's loose, bullet holes will appear elongated, giving the illusion of keyholing. Better yet, just use a good cardboard target. Another possibility would be a severely leaded barrel if you have previously shot a lot of lead. Haven't had a problem with Wolf in my Kimbers. I put about 1100rds thru one of mine in a two day class without a problem.
Savage

JeffG · « **Reply #3 on:** June 02, 2009, 04:08:58 PM »

Light loads, slow burning powder??? Something is preventing stabilization of the bullet...My guess if the gun's in good shape, is the velocity/bearing surface of the bullet. (ogive)

Heavy C · « **Reply #4 on:** June 03, 2009, 09:17:29 AM »

Thanks for the replies. I've been using Wolf ammo for many years without any issues. The crown had no blemishes. As far as leading goes; I only run FMJ through this pistol. While the gun was dirty, Wolf is very dirty, there was no leading.

It could have been a target that was loose - that was a good point. I've cleaned the pistol very well; so I guess it's back to the range!

Thanks again for the help.

Heavy C

Savage · « **Reply #5 on:** June 04, 2009, 01:26:57 AM »

Anxious to hear how the range trip turns out. I'm betting on the loose target!
Savage

Questor · « **Reply #6 on:** June 08, 2009, 08:11:02 AM »

I think Savage is right. I had the same issue once, and that was the cause: No fault of the gun or cartridge, but loose target paper.

Heavy C · « **Reply #7 on:** July 10, 2009, 05:19:46 AM »

Okay guys, sorry for the delay in reporting back to ya'll. It was the target. The backers were pretty shot up. Moved to a target with a newer backer and my Kimber started punching nice clean holes...even with Wolf ammo.

I'm glad that is all it was.

Savage · « **Reply #8 on:** July 10, 2009, 06:04:04 AM »

Excellent!
Savage

Heavy C · « **Reply #9 on:** July 10, 2009, 10:41:30 AM »

Yep, now the trick is to find more 45 ACP ammo or primers to reload all my brass.

Waldo Pepper · « **Reply #10 on:** August 27, 2009, 02:07:39 AM »

I scored 200 rounds of Winchester FMJ ball this week for $64.xx at Wally World. Did the same about 3 weeks ago.

Heavy C · « **Reply #11 on:** September 03, 2009, 09:09:56 AM »

Congrats! Still no luck at the stores, but an order of bullets are on their way to complete my list of reloading components. Finally, I'll be able to crank out some of my own.